Meet Emily Oswald | Urban farmer & Community Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Oswald and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for Bakehouse LA stemmed from a deep-seated passion for sharing my creativity with others. It all began during my time in Hana, Maui, where I found myself baking hundreds of loaves of banana bread daily for a local farm stand. Through this experience, I developed a profound love for urban farming and the connection between homegrown ingredients and beautifully crafted baked goods.

It became apparent to me that combining these elements—fresh, seasonal ingredients from my own garden with delicious baked goods—was not just a business venture, but a path to genuine happiness. I realized that by sharing these creations with my community, I could spread joy and nourishment in equal measure.

And so, Bakehouse LA was born out of this fusion of passion, creativity, and a desire to bring something truly special to my community.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career path leading up to the launch of Bakehouse LA was anything but straightforward. Initially trained as a dancer, I continued my passion for dance throughout college. However, I found myself veering away from pursuing it professionally and instead took a detour into the legal field, believing I wanted to become a lawyer. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the 9-5 office life wasn’t for me.

Reflecting on what truly brought me joy, I remembered my time living on a farm in Maui, where I felt most alive and connected to the earth. This realization prompted me to make a significant shift. I left my paralegal position and ventured into a role as an urban farmer and project manager for a specialized landscape company catering to high-profile clients, including celebrities and the wealthy.

While this experience allowed me to cultivate my skills in a unique setting, I reached a point where I knew I needed to pursue my own path. I wanted to bring the same level of care and dedication I provided to VIP clients to everyday people in my community. Thus, the seed for Bakehouse LA was planted.

Expanding Bakehouse LA was my way of sharing the magic of seasonal baked goods with my community. I envisioned it as a space where everyone could feel included and safe, where the warmth of freshly baked treats could foster connections and bring people together.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of staying true to oneself. It wasn’t easy to make these career shifts, but overcoming the challenges has only reinforced my belief in the power of following your passions and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

Ultimately, I want my brand and story to serve as an invitation to embrace creativity, community, and the simple joys of life. Bakehouse LA is more than just a bakery—it’s a celebration of connection, shared experiences, and the beauty of seasonal flavors.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being a true LA native, I’m all about embracing the sun, the beach, and indulging in delicious food experiences. For a week-long trip in LA, I’d kick things off with a hike down to Point Dume. Breathtaking views, hiking down the cliffs to a pristine beach in Malibu, followed by soaking up the sun with a picnic of refreshing drinks and delicious sandwiches from Jackson Market, a local gem in Culver City.

After a day in the sun, we’d head to Venice Beach to soak in the eclectic vibes and vibrant energy of the boardwalk. People-watching here is an experience in itself. And what better way to cap off the day than with dinner at Dudley Market in Venice. Renowned for their fresh, locally sourced catches and incredible wine selection, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and savor the flavors of SoCal.

In my opinion, that’s the recipe for a perfect sunny day in LA—adventure, relaxation, and, of course, incredible food!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are two groups that I wholeheartedly want to give a shoutout to. Firstly, I owe a tremendous amount of credit to my mom. Throughout my childhood, she exemplified what it means to pursue one’s passions fearlessly. From decorating cakes professionally in a bakery in LA to becoming a doula, guiding countless women through the journey of motherhood, she instilled in me the importance of following one’s creative calling with unwavering courage.

Secondly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Hana Farms in Maui, Hawaii. They graciously welcomed me to live and work on their farm, where I baked daily and contributed to their farm stand. Witnessing their growth firsthand was truly inspiring. From humble beginnings of selling flowers on the Hana Highway, they evolved into a vibrant community hub with their outdoor pizza kitchen. Every Friday night, it became a gathering place for musicians, artists, and locals alike, fostering a sense of togetherness that deeply resonated with me.

Both my mom and Hana Farms have played pivotal roles in shaping my journey, reminding me that a dedication to love and food can truly be the heart of a community. They deserve all the recognition and credit in my story

Website: https://emilymarieoswald.wixsite.com/bakehousela

Instagram: @bakehouse.la

Other: TikTok: @bakehouse.la